Matchlock 25mm vs RedBox 1/72, Boxer Rebellion foot

THE METAL FIGURES


Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The metal figure comes from the “Late 19th/Early 20th Century & Boxer Rebellion” range currently offered by Minifigs under the Matchlock brand. The figures were originally sculpted and released under the Falcon Miniatures name (not to be confused with Falcon Figures).

The model is catalogued as FIN13B “Boxer Rifleman.”

The full line covers French Foreign Legion, Turks, German Southwest Africa, Russians, Japanese, Boxers and various African forces.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured to eyes): 23mm.
Height (measured to head): 25mm.

Availability and Cost:

This line was reintroduced in February 2011. It can be found on the Minifigs website, by selecting the “Matchlock” label.

http://www.miniaturefigurines.co.uk/

Foot figures in this range are being sold for £1.10, with mounted figures retailing for £2.55

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturers’ Designation and Number of Poses:

The plastic figures come from RedBox sets 72017 “US Infantry (Boxer Rebellion 1900)” and 72021 “Sikhs (Boxer Rebellion 1900)” RedBox has made a commitment to covering this conflict in depth, and has released a number of boxes depicting participants. Each of these boxes contains 48 figures in 12 poses.

Figure Characteristics:

72017 Height (measured from to eyes): 19mm.
72017 Height (measured from to top of head): 21mm.
72021 Height (measured from to eyes): 18mm.
72021 Height (measured from to top of head): 20mm.

Availability and Cost:

These sets were released about three years ago, and can easily be found at hobby shops and online dealers.

20mm Rose vs 1/72 RedBox, colonial foot

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The metal figures are from the Rose Miniature range, currently manufactured and sold by Garrison Wargames Figures. This figure is from the 20mm range, which also covers Napoleonic, American Civil War and First World War subjects. Garrison uses the following codes for these figures: ROSEAW1 “British private standing firing” and ROSEAW24 “Zulu Running with Assegi and Shield.”

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 20mm.
Height (measured from sole of foot to top of head): 22mm.

Availability and Cost:

The Rose figures are sold for £0.50 each, and can be ordered from the Garrison website:

http://www.garrisonminiatures.com/index.asp

Notes on the Samples:

The Rose sample was kindly provided by Garrison.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The RedBox figures come from box RB 72003 “Colonial British Army 1890.” The box contains 48 figures in 12 poses (4 copies of the same sprue). RedBox has also released several other sets covering colonial subjects, including a very deep range devoted to the Boxer Rebellion.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured to eyes): 21mm.
Height (measured to top of head): 23mm.

Availability and Cost:

This was one of the first sets to be released by RedBox, appearing in 2006. These figures are currently available at hobby shops and online dealers.

Samurai and Mongols from Willers compared at the 1/72 Multiverse

Eric (EY) runs a fascinating blog under the name “1/72 Multiverse” that covers a lot of ground. He is interested in showing how figures from various manufacturers compare in scale, although his focus is often on fantasy types rather than historical.

A few days ago, he posted some comparisons using Willers Miniatures figures.

Eric compared the Willers Mongols to Zvezda and Giant. He also showed the camel from that set beside an Italeri camel from their Mongol Cavalry set.

He then compared the Willers Samurai to samples from Redbox, Caesar, and Zvezda.

His comparisons can be found here:

http://72-multiverse.blogspot.com/2011/10/willers-miniatures.html

Eric obtained the Willers figures from the CW Toys site, and they can be found in this listing (with thanks to Sir William the Aged, who pointed them out in the Comments below):

http://www.cw-toys.de/1-72-Hersteller-Zinn-Resin/Kleinserie

The sets included in Eric’s post include the following:

Zvezda 8003 “Mongols, 13th to 14th centuries”
Italeri 6124 “Mongol Cavalry, 13th century”
RedBox 72005 “Japanese Warrior Monks”
Caesar H003 “Japanese Samurai with Ninja”
Zvezda 8017 “Samurai Army Infantry, 16th to 17th centuries”

Newline 1/72 Goths vs RedBox 1/72 Picts, foot

The photo above compares two plastic figures from RedBox (A,C) with a pair of metal warriors from Newline Designs (B,D). Click on the image to see a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The Newline Designs figures come from one of their special 1/72nd scale range, and so are larger than the more numerous 20mm figures offered. These particular samples are cataloged as item 2G04, “Gothic Archers.” They are part of the “Dark Ages” line which also Franks, Huns and late period Romans.

Figures Characteristics

Height (from sole of foot to eyes): 21mm
Height (from sole of foot to top of head): 23mm

Availability and Cost:

Newline Design figures are currently in production, and can be ordered directly from the manufacturer. Foot figures are sold in packs of four, for £2.00. In addition, the firm offers packs of 24 figures for £9.50.

The Newline website is here:

http://newlinedesigns.co.uk/

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:
The RedBox figures come from box RB-72001 “Picts.” This set includes 48 figures in 12 poses.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 20mm.
Height (measured from sole of foot to top of head): 22mm.

Availability and Cost:

These figures are currently available at hobby shops and online dealers.

Notes on the Samples:

The sample figures were provided by Liam Sullivan and Frank Ivansic.

Hinchliffe vs RedBox, British Colonial Infantry

The photo above compares three metal figures from Hinchliffe (A,C,E) with a pair of plastic soldiers from RedBox (B,D). Click on the image to see a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The metal figures were originally released by Hinchliffe, and now are available from Hind Figures, who purchased the line in 2008, and are maintaining the brand.

These figures are included in Hinchliffe’s 25mm British Colonial range, and are cataloged as:

A: BC27, Officer at Rourke’s Drift
C: BC4, British Infantry Officer Advancing
E: BC30, Zulu Stabbing

The full range includes over 50 foot figures and 16 mounted figures, as well as guns and other equipment.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from ground to eyes): 24mm.
Height (measured from ground to top of head): 27mm.

Availability and Cost:

These figures can be ordered directly from Hind. The cost is 89 p (UK) for an individual figure.

The Hinchliffe page on the Hind website is here:

http://www.hinchliffe.co.uk/home.htm

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The RedBox figures come from box RB 72003 “Colonial British Army 1890.” The box contains 48 figures in 12 poses (4 copies of the same sprue).

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 21mm.
Height (measured from sole of foot to top of head): 23mm.

Availability and Cost:

This was one of the first sets to be released by RedBox, appearing in 2006. These figures are currently available at hobby shops and online dealers.

Minifigs vs RedBox, Colonial British infantry

The photo above compares three metal figures from Minifigs (A,C,E) with a pair of plastic soldiers from RedBox (B,D). Click on the image to see a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The metal figures come from the current Minifigs “Colonial Wars” range. That range includes 27 different foot poses for the British, as well as 12 mounted figures, and a pair of artillery limber riders.

The actual figures illustrated are:

(A) BC01: British Colonial Infantry advancing (light order)
(C) BC07: British Colonial Infantry Officer advancing
(E) BC03: British Colonial Infantry attacking (light order)

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 22mm.
Height (measured from sole of foot to top of head): 24mm.

Availability and Cost:

The figures are currently available from Minifigs in the UK and US. They are sold individually: the other ranks sell for £1.00, while the officer is £1.10 on the British site. For American buyers, all the castings are priced at $1.50 each. The websites are here:

http://www.miniaturefigurines.co.uk/Home.aspx

http://www.minifigs.com/catalog/

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The RedBox figures come from box RB 72003 “Colonial British Army 1890.” The box contains 48 figures in 12 poses (4 copies of the same sprue).

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 21mm.

Availability and Cost:

This was one of the first sets to be released by RedBox, appearing in 2006. These figures are currently available at hobby shops and online dealers.

Garrison Romans vs RedBox Picts, foot

The photo above compares three metal Romans from Garrison and Greenwood & Ball (A,C,E) with a pair of plastic Picts released by RedBox (B,D). Click on the image to see a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

I believe that the metal figures come from Garrison’s “20mm Ancients” range, and were previously produced under the Greenwood & Ball name. Within the Ancients range, Garrison currently offers 23 different poses for 1st Century Imperial Romans. However, the poses shown in this image do not seem to be currently in production.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 21mm.

Availability and Cost:

As mentioned, these figures are not available from the manufacturer at the present time. However, other Roman figures are in production, and can be purchased from Garrison directly. Foot figures are sold for £0.60 each, while mounted figures cost £1.50.

The Garrison website is here:

http://www.garrisonminiatures.com/index.asp

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer’s Designation and Number of Poses:

The RedBox figures come from box RB-72001 “Picts.” This set includes 48 figures in 12 poses.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 20mm.

Availability and Cost:

These figures are currently available at hobby shops and online dealers. For instance, Ye Olde Toy Soldiers is currently selling the box for US$9.99 on eBay.

Notes on the Samples:

The sample figures were provided by Liam Sullivan and Frank Ivansic.

Jacklex vs RedBox, British & Indian Colonial Infantry

The photo above compares three plastic Sikh infantrymen from RedBox (A,C,E) with a pair of metal figures from Jacklex (B,D). Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturer's Designation and Number of Poses:

The two Jacklex figures come from their Colonial Wars range. They are designated:

B: B18, “Indian Regular Officer firing pistol”
D: B16, “Highland Infantry Marching.”

The Colonial Wars range from Jacklex is primarily comprised of British troops and their enemies, but does have a small component of French Foreign Legion. They are probably best known for the accompanying equipment though, including wagons, a variety of artillery pieces with limbers, and teams of horses, oxen and mules.

Figure Characteristics:

Highlander Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 23mm.
Body Build: Average.

Availability and Cost:

Once an independent line, Jacklex figures are today produced and sold by Spencer Smith miniatures. The figures are sold individually, for 45p each or 85p mounted

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer's Designation and Number of Poses:

The plastic figures come from RedBox set 72021 “Sikhs (Boxer Rebellion 1900).” This box is one of several covering this conflict in depth. The box contains 48 figures in 12 poses.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 18mm.
Body Build: Average

Availability and Cost:

This set was released quite recently, and can easily be found at hobby shops and online dealers. For instance, Always Models list the set for $7.95 US.

Notes on the Samples:

The samples were obtained in a trade with Eric Yin.

Ral Partha vs RedBox, Colonial Indian Infantry

The photo above compares three plastic colonial Sikh infantry from RedBox (B,D,F) with a similar number of metal figures from Ral Partha (A,C,E). Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturers’ Designation and Number of Poses:

The Ral Partha figures come from their “Colonials” range. According to a 1985 catalogue, this range included 68 codes, in three groups (covering the Zulu war, the Northwest frontier and the Sudan). Some of the codes contained more than one pose. The figures illustrated are from the following codes.

A: 88-103 “Northwest Frontier Indian Command Group”
C: 88-002 “Zulu War British Infantry Advancing”
E: 88-102 “Northwest Frontier Indian Infantry, Firing”

All the figures are now sold by Great Endeavours, using the same codes. The firm has also expanded the range with new complementary figures, including dismounted cavalry, figures for the Boer war, as well as others for the Boxer rebellion.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 22mm.
Body Build: Somewhat heavy

Availability and Cost:

As mentioned above, Great Endeavours currently distributes this range. They can be purchased from the GE website; the firm sells foot figures in groups of 10 (same pose) for $8.50 US.

Notes on the Samples:

Figure E was painted by Chuck Turnitsa.

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturer's Designation and Number of Poses:

The plastic figures come from RedBox set 72021 “Sikhs (Boxer Rebellion 1900.” This box is one of several covering this conflict in depth. The box contains 48 figures in 12 poses.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 18mm.
Body Build: Average

Availability and Cost:

This set was released quite recently, and can easily be found at hobby shops and online dealers. For instance, Always Models list the set for $7.95 US.

Notes on the Samples:

The samples were obtained in a trade with Eric Yin.

Rafm Ancient Germans vs RedBox Picts

The photo above compares three Ancient Germans from Rafm (in black washed metal) with three Picts from RedBox (in red-brown plastic). Click on the image for a larger version.

THE METAL FIGURES

Manufacturers’ Designation and Number of Poses:

The Rafm figures come from the “Armies of the Caesars” range, and are catalogued as RAF7252 “Early German Infantry in Trousers.”

The “Armies of the Caesar” range currently includes 30 types. For the Romans, there are 14 infantry, 3 cavalry and 2 command sets available. For their enemies, the choices include 7 infantry, 3 cavalry and 1 command set. Most of the codes consist of a single pose.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 23mm.
Body Build (from 5 categories): D (Somewhat Heavy).

Availability and Cost:

Rafm’s metal figures are currently available. They can be ordered directly from the manufacturer. Cost from manufacturer: US$7.95 for six figures (all in the same pose).

Notes on the Samples:

The figures require some assembly (separate heads, shields and spears).

THE PLASTIC FIGURES

Manufacturers’ Designation and Number of Poses:

The RedBox figures come from box RB-72001 “Picts.” This set includes 48 figures in 12 poses.

Figure Characteristics:

Height (measured from sole of foot to eyes): 20mm.
Body Build (from 5 categories): C (Average).

Availability and Cost:

These figures are currently available at hobby shops and online dealers. For instance, Ye Olde Toy Soldiers is currently selling the box for US$9.99 on eBay.

Notes on the Samples:

The sample figures were provided by Liam Sullivan and Frank Ivansic.

General Notes:

See the side panel lists for websites of the manufacturers, distributors and retailers mentioned above. To convert cost figures to your currency, use a site such as xe.com, also listed in the side panel.

Ral Partha vs RedBox, Medieval Asia foot, part 2

The photo above compares three metal figures from Ral Partha (two painted, and one undercoated white) with three plastic figures from RedBox. Click on the image for a larger version.

Manufacturers’ designations:

RedBox has produced three boxes for Ashigaru. The two figures on the left can be found in box 72006 “Ashigaru (Archers and Arquebusiers),” while the figure on the right comes from box 72007 “Ashigaru (Spearmen)”

The Ral Partha models come from their “Momoyama/Tokugawa Samurai” range, and are catalogued as follows (left to right in the picture):
53-751 Ronin with sword
53-768 Samurai with spear or naginata
53-752 Ronin with spear or naginata

The Ral Partha figures are currently manufactured and distributed by Iron Wind. In their catalogue, the models are identified as follows:

Again, left to right:
DH-165 Ronin with Katana
DH-179 Samurai Spearman
DH-166 Ronin Spearman

Height compatibility (measured from sole of foot to eyes):
RedBox 72006 – 19mm.
RedBox 72007 – 20mm.
Ral Partha / Iron Wind – 22mm.

Body Build compatibility (from 5 categories):
RedBox– C (Average)
Ral Partha / Iron Wind – are a mix of C (Average) and D (Somewhat Heavy).

Availability and Cost:

The RedBox figures were introduced fairly recently, and are available through various plastic model distributors. Price at a typical retailer: 8.00 € at CW-Toys.

As mentioned above, the metal figures are currently available from Iron Wind. They need to be ordered directly from the manufacturer: the cost is US $2.50 for an individual figure, but drops to $0.90 for quantities of 10 or more.

(See the side panel lists for websites of the manufacturers, distributors and retailers mentioned above. To convert cost figures to your currency, use a site such as xe.com, also listed in the side panel, with the retailers.)

Other notes:
The RedBox figures were provided by Eric Yin in a very helpful trade.

Readers, please add any comments on other considerations with regard to these two types, in particular any thoughts about the compatibility from the standpoint of historical periods.

Ral Partha vs Redbox, Medieval Asia foot, Part 1

The photo above compares three metal figures from Ral Partha (two painted, and one undercoated white) with three plastic figures from RedBox. Click on the image for a larger version.

Manufacturers’ designations:

The plastic figures come from RedBox’s box 72005 “"Japanese Warrior Monks (Sohei)".”

The Ral Partha models come from their “Momoyama/Tokugawa Samurai” range, and are catalogued as follows (left to right in the picture):
53-751 Ronin with sword
53-768 Samurai with spear or naginata
53-752 Ronin with spear or naginata

The Ral Partha figures are currently manufactured and distributed by Iron Wind. In their catalogue, the models are identified as follows:

Again, left to right:
DH-165 Ronin with Katana
DH-179 Samurai Spearman
DH-166 Ronin Spearman

Height compatibility (measured from sole of foot to eyes):
RedBox – 20mm.
Ral Partha / Iron Wind – 22mm.

Body Build compatibility (from 5 categories):
RedBox– C (Average)
Ral Partha / Iron Wind – are a mix of C (Average) and D (Somewhat Heavy).

Availability:

The RedBox figures were introduced fairly recently, and are available through various plastic model distributors. The RedBox website is listed in the side panel.

As mentioned above, the metal figures are currently available from Iron Wind. They need to be ordered directly from the manufacturer: see the website also listed in the side panel.

Other notes:
The RedBox figures were provided by Eric Yin in a very helpful trade.

Readers: please post any comments on other considerations with regard to these two types, in particular any thoughts about the compatibility from the standpoint of historical periods.

Newline vs RedBox, British Colonial Infantry

The photo above compares three Newline Designs colonial figures (unpainted metal) with three RedBox soldiers for the same era (brown plastic). Click on the image for a larger version.

Manufacturers’ designations:

The RedBox figures come from box RB 72003 “Colonial British Army 1890.”

The metal models come from Newline Designs' Zulu War Range. The pose shown second from left and second from right is designated “ZW6: British Infantry at Ready,” while the third from the left is “ZW2A: British Advancing Firing.”

Height compatibility (measured from sole of foot to eyes):
RedBox – 21mm.
Newline Design – 20mm.

Body Build compatibility (from 5 categories):
RedBox – C (Average)
Newline Design – C (Average)

Overall conclusions:
Both of these ranges are a bit shorter than most of the other plastic colonials on the market. This means that they work fairly well together. For a wargamer who has built up an army of RedBox soldiers, Newline offers a compatible source of other units or specialist figures.

Nostalgic Revival vs RedBox, 18th Century India, Foot

The photo above compares three metal sepoy figures from Cunningham (now 20mm Nostalgic Revival) to three Afghan fighters (in brown plastic) from RedBox. Click on the images for a larger version.
Manufacturers’ designations:

The RedBox figures are from box RB72004 “Afghan Warriors.”

The Nostalgic Revival figures are from the “Wellington in India” range. From left to right they are: SW2 Madras sepoy advancing, SW4 Bombay grenadier loading, SW3 Bombay grenadier priming.

Height compatibility (measured from sole of foot to eyes):
RedBox – 20mm.
Nostalgic Revival – 22mm.

Body Build compatibility (from 5 categories):
RedBox – C (average)
Nostalgic Revival – C (average)

Overall conclusions:

The Cunningham sepoys are noticeably taller than the RedBox Afghans. The sculpting styles are also a bit different (with the Cunningham sculpts being a bit more slender, and more realistic in terms of animation). However, with some attention paid to modifying the base height, it should be possible to use them on the same table.

Jacklex vs RedBox, Colonial British Infantry

The photo above compares a pair of Jacklex Highland colonial infantry (one painted and one partly painted) with three RedBox figures (brown plastic). Click on the images for a larger version.

Manufacturers’ designations:

The RedBox figures come from box RB 72003 “Colonial British Army 1890.”

The two Jacklex figures come from their Colonial Range, and are designated B16, “Highland Infantry Marching.”

Height compatibility (measured from sole of foot to eyes):
RedBox – 21mm.
Jacklex Highlanders – 23mm.

Body Build compatibility (from 5 categories):
RedBox – C (Average)
Jacklex – C (Average)

Overall conclusions:

The RedBox figures are visibly shorter than the Jacklex troops, and will not work in mixed units. With some extra basing under the plastic figures though, the two types should be a reasonable match when organized in different units. The sculpting styles are similar enough to minimize contrast from that source.

RedBox v Ral Partha, British Colonial

RedBox is a new manufacturer which is offering a growing range of sets with an Asian flavour. This includes several sets from the late Victorian era: besides their two boxes for colonial India, they have an extensive range of Boxer rebellion forces in release. At this stage, though, RedBox is not offering sculpts with the same quality as their competitors. Instead they look like some of the earliest Airfix sets, and come with more flash than Airfix ever did.


This picture compares several RedBox figures with the Ral Partha bugler. It is clear that the RPH trooper is much larger than the plastic soldiers.

RedBox site